Summer Health Advice For Seniors

The hot, hazy days of summer can pose special health risks to older adults. It’s important that older people avoid heat-related illnesses, known as hyperthermia.

Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the heat-regulating mechanisms of the body to deal with heat coming from the environment. Heat fatigue, heat related dizziness, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are commonly known forms of hyperthermia.

One’s risk of developing these conditions can increase with the combination of outside temperature, general health and individual lifestyle, according to the experts at the National Institute on Aging. Lifestyle factors can include not drinking enough fluids, living in housing without air conditioning, lack of mobility and access to transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions.

With this in mind, the experts at the institute are sharing some tips to help seniors avoid hyperthermia:

Older people, particu- larly those with chronic medical conditions, should stay indoors on hot and humid days, especially when an air pollution alert is in effect. People without air conditioners should go to places such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters or libraries. Cooling centers, which may be set up by local public health agencies, religious groups and social service organizations are other options.

Health-related factors that may increase risk include:

Being dehydrated.

Age-related changes to the skin, such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat glands.

Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever.

High blood pressure or other conditions that require changes in diet. For example, people on salt-restricted diets may increase their risk. However, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.

Taking several drugs for various conditions. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.

Being substantially overweight or underweight.

Drinking alcoholic beverages.

Heat stroke is a lifethreatening form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. Someone with a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit is likely suffering from heat stroke and may have symptoms of confusion, combativeness, strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, faintness, staggering, possible delirium or coma. Seek immediate emergency medical attention for a person with any of these symptoms, especially an older adult.

If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

Get the person out of the sun and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge them to lie down.

If you suspect heat stroke, call 911.

Encourage the individual to shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water.

Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and/ or groin, places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and the cold cloths can help cool the blood.

Offer fluids such as water, fruit and vegetable juices, but avoid alcohol and caffeine.

For more tips and information on research and the aging, visit www.nia.nih.gov.